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Discover Classic Puffin-Watching Tours in Reykjavík

Discover Classic Puffin-Watching Tours in Reykjavík

4.5 | 166 reviews
Regular price $58.75 USD
Regular price Sale price $58.75 USD
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Operated by Elding Adventure at Sea
1 hour
Very Easy

Experience the enchanting world of puffins on our classic tours, an intimate and delightful adventure aboard a cozy small boat. Available from 1 May to 15 August for a heart-warming 1-1.5 hours of discovery, our tour is your gateway to observing these charming 'clowns of the sea' up close in their natural habitat. Set sail from the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík, where our specialist guides aboard comfortable and stable boats will navigate towards Engey, Akurey, or Lundey. These islands are sanctuaries of rich birdlife, and while we respect the wildlife by not landing on the islands, we ensure you get as close as possible to the action. Alongside puffins, you might catch sight of eider ducks, arctic terns, and more. For a deeper immersion, we recommend bringing binoculars or a good zoom lens to capture every detail. Enhance your adventure by combining this tour with whale watching or opt for our premium puffin tour for an even closer experience with these captivating birds.

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Embark on an intimate and joyful puffin adventure aboard our cozy small boat tours. Seize the opportunity to witness the delightful "clowns of the sea" in their majestic natural habitat. These tours are available from 1 May to 15 August, spanning a captivating 1 to 1.5 hours. Begin your journey at our ticket office located at the Old Harbour in the heart of downtown Reykjavík, where you'll exchange your prepaid voucher for admission tickets. Join one of our knowledgeable guides onboard our comfortable and stable boats, moored at the floating pier adjacent to our Wildlife Exhibition. We set sail to one of the three islands renowned for their vibrant birdlife; Engey, Akurey, or Lundey. While we respect the birds' nesting grounds by not landing on the islands, our captains expertly navigate as close as possible to afford spectacular views of the puffins, along with eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots, and cormorants.

Our captains are well-versed in the islands' topography, ensuring we approach the puffins delicately without disturbing their natural behaviors. Weather permitting, we may even cut the engines to immerse you fully in the tranquility of nature, allowing the serene bird calls to wash over you. Throughout the tour, our crew will share fascinating facts and stories about the puffins and their environment. Given the puffins' diminutive size, we suggest bringing a quality zoom lens for photography or binoculars, which we also provide onboard, for an up-close experience.

Enhance your adventure by combining this tour with whale watching or opt for our premium puffin tour for an even closer and faster encounter with these charming birds.

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Itinerary

Classic Puffin Tour Itinerary

Our classic puffin tours are intimate, fun and a comfortable adventure on a small boat! Here is your chance to experience the clowns of the sea in their natural environment.

Available: 1 May - 15 August

Duration: 1-1.5 hrs.

Stop by our ticket office at the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík and exchange your prepaid voucher for admission tickets. One of our expert guides will meet you on board one of our comfortable and stable boats, docked at the floating pier in front of our Wildlife Exhibition. Depending on the tides and conditions on the islands our captains will take you to either Engey, Akurey or Lundey, one of three islands well known for their plentiful birdlife. We cannot go on the islands, but try and get as close as possible without disturbing the nesting birds. In addition to puffins you have the opportunity to view other birds such as eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots and cormorants.

The islands shores are rocky but our captains know the best spots to get close to the puffins without disturbing any natural behaviour. If the weather is right we might even turn off the engines so that you can enjoy the nature better and listen to the birds calls. During the tour the crew will tell you interesting facts and tales about the puffins and the surroundings. As the birds are small in size, we recommend bringing a good zoom lens for close up photography or binoculars (also available board).

Combine this tour with whale watching or try our premium puffin tour that will take you closer and faster to the birds!

Engey, Akurey, Lundey

Depending on the tides, we will either visit Engey, Akureyri or Lundey. These are the three islands just off Reykjavík where the birds are known to breed on during summer. The islands are protected so we are unable to set foot on them, however the captain will sail as close as possible, without disturbing any natural behaviour. Binoculars are available on board for those who want to use them.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

  • Use of raincoats
  • Use of binoculars
  • Excellent guidance

Exclusions

  • Transportation to and from the departure point
  • Personal expenses
  • Meals and beverages

Important Notes

Our classic puffin tours are intimate, fun, and a comfortable adventure on a small boat, giving you the chance to experience the clowns of the sea in their natural habitat.

  • Available: 1 May - 15 August
  • Duration: 1-1.5 hrs
  • Location: Ticket office at the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavik
  • Destinations: Engey, Akurey, or Lundey islands, known for their plentiful birdlife
  • Wildlife Opportunity: Puffins, eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots, and cormorants
  • Recommendation: Bring a good zoom lens for close-up photography or binoculars
  • Additional Options: Combine with whale watching or try our premium puffin tour for a closer experience
  • Important: The deck can be slippery; wear sturdy footwear. The tour is weather dependent for optimal viewing and enjoyment.

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